While I am sure the leaf change in fall is incredible, I can not fully describe how beautiful spring is as you wind along the road. Our visit in May was simply amazing with the amount and variety of wildflowers. Additionally, you don't have to hike anything to see amazing views and wildlife as we saw all of that from this road and at 35 MPH you can really see and experience all of it. The dozens of overlooks on each side are amazing. The road goes from end to end but what will be most celebrated are the ridgeline views you get as you wind close to the summits. You may be the most fit hiker that hikes every trail, but your experience will be very similar to the experience for the old, young and less mobile because this drive offers many of the same experiences. Every overlook and hike we made came off this road which really makes this road a great leveler for every person who visits Shenandoah. It probably is 80% of the roadways within Shenandoah National Park and it is the dominant attraction from end to end. Lots of National Parks have scenic drives but I don't know of another park where that drive is such an important and integral part of the park. If you are going on weekends in October, arrive very early, as we were turned back by the rangers going around noon. Shenandoah mountain in Fall is rated a top attraction in the entire region. Oh yes, there are restaurants on the way, so taking a break is easy too. Whats more, if you are ready to drive further south, Blue Ridge Parkway awaits with even more majestic views. There are turnouts where one can stop and take as many pictures as one likes with an iphone or the most expensive DSLR available. The drive, few hours long, rewards the visitors with red, crimson, gold, yellow, violet, pink, did I miss any other, colored leaves straight out of a giant dreamlike poster photograph. The fees have gone up a lot in the last 10 years. Expect a big line at the entrance as money changes hands for the parking fee to be given to Uncle Sam. The peak would be last week of October for most years. Every year in September and October, throngs of visitors from DC metro and other states come to the Skyline drive for enjoying the fabulous fall colors.
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